Ebonyi community denies forgery allegation against traditional ruler

The people of Ukawu community in Onicha Local Government Area of Ebonyi State on Thursday debunked a media report alleging that their traditional ruler, HRH Vincent Ajah (Ogenyi IV), forged his First School Leaving Certificate.

Addressing journalists in Abakaliki, the spokesperson of the community and a member of the Eze-in-Council, High Chief John Elom Elom, stated that they would have ignored the report but decided to respond to prevent misinformation.

He also noted that since the matter is still in court, they had to clarify their stance.

Chief Elom described the allegation as baseless, stating that the academic qualification required for kingship in the community is simply the ability to read and write.

He explained that out of the 17 requirements outlined in the Ukawu community’s constitution for attaining the Ezeship, as endorsed by 27 notable members, academic qualifications account for only 5 percent.

Elom further emphasized that Ezeogo Vincent Ajah (Ogenyi IV) met all necessary requirements before contesting for the position he now holds. He questioned why the certificate issue was being raised a year after his coronation.

“The traditional stool of Ukawu community is not based on educational qualifications but on other criteria, including literacy, nobility, and character,” he said.

“Igwe Vincent Ajah met all the required criteria to contest for the kingship of the community. HRH Ajah defeated his opponent with a total of 570 votes against 73 votes garnered by the closest opponent in an election supervised by Barr. Ikeuwa Omebe, the Hon. Commissioner for Rural Development, among others, in November 2023.”

He added that after fulfilling all necessary requirements, Eze Ajah was issued a certificate of recognition and a staff of office as Ogenyi IV by Governor Francis Nwifuru of Ebonyi State.

Elom also alleged that one of the contestants, Mr. Ezoghu Elum, who was stripped of his chieftaincy title by the late Ezeogo James Elom (Ogenyi III) due to misconduct, had doctored his own certificate.

However, he was cleared to contest for the Ezeship because academic qualifications were not a major criterion for the position.

Chief Elom questioned why Ezoghu Elum was raising the issue of a certificate, knowing that past Ogenyis did not have formal education.

He stressed that HRH Vincent Ajah was duly elected by the community and recognized by the state government.

He urged natives of Ukawu community and the entire people of Onicha Local Government to disregard the report, describing it as an attempt to misinform the public.